Kelsey from San Diego State University (USA)

"I can’t think of a better place to go on exchange than Rotterdam, and the Netherlands in general. Honestly! Prior to arriving, I didn’t know what to expect. I would look at the city through Google Maps in excitement, but once I got there it truly came alive.

It is the perfect size. Small enough to explore and know, but big enough to never run out of things to do as an exchange student. Being part of the international environment at Erasmus University Rotterdam was education in itself. Both the students and the professors were from all around the world which added so many rich perspectives. Classes are a mix between lectures and seminars which kept me engaged. And the campus has beautiful places to study or grab a drink after class. There are also a ton of events that were put together so that exchange students can get to know each other. I would recommend trying to meet people outside of your field of study. It expands your experience! My experience as an exchange student at Erasmus University was incredible, to say the least. And if you’re debating on going for a semester, or a year, go a year. Just do it! It seems impossible to describe the entirety of the year because it was a collection of so many diverse experiences. They were all way beyond my wildest expectations of what exchange could be. From my daily life to the adventures across both the country and the continent. I got to visit 13+ countries and enjoy the student exchange life to the absolute fullest. I can’t help but smile and laugh at all the memories made. I’m home now, back in San Diego, California and it is still surreal to me that I’m no longer going to be biking to class along the Maas, having picnics at Kralingse Bos, or travelling to different cities or countries every weekend."